MLB Game Picks - Monday: May 12, 2014

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunday added up to a third straight day of finishing 8-7. It's like my KitchenAid Electric Mixer is permanently stuck on Mediocre. Not only that, but the Game of the Day feature was wrong again. Unbelievable.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The pick that got me the most was the Yankees. They came back and tied the game and were within a strike of getting out of a man-on-third situation with an 0-2 count on <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reynoma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Mark Reynolds</a></strong>. Reynolds has been in 863 0-2 counts in his career and had struck out 512 times and had a .429 OPS in those situations. In the second guess of all second guesses, the Yankees decided to throw him a slider. What a stupid pitch to call. Ballgame.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm still steaming about that one.  Monday features ten games, so there is no way I can finish 8-7. Somehow that is not comforting. The picks: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Tigers over the <strong>Orioles</strong></span>: Yes, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/davisch02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Chris Davis</a></strong> is back. Even so, I do not like to pick <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/norribu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Bud Norris</a></strong>...ever. Yes, he won his last time out. I am aware. But against the Tigers? No. I'd much rather go with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/porceri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Rick Porcello</a></strong> with the Orioles pounding a bunch of balls into the ground.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Yankees</strong> over the Mets</span>: The Yankees need revenge for last year's whitewash at the hand of of the Citi Field gang. They face old Shrek, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Bartolo Colon</a></strong>. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kurodhi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Hiroki Kuroda</a></strong> goes for the Yankees and was much better his last time out. My wife pointed out last night that the Mets need to trade for <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/farquda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Danny Farquhar</a></strong> so that they have Shrek and Lord Farquhar on the same team. Of course, Farquhar blew one of my picks yesterday with an incredibly bad pitch.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Blue Jays</strong> over the Angels</span>: This is a tough, tough one. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buehrma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Mark Buehrle</a></strong> is pitching really well, but we all know he is not THIS good. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wilsocj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">C.J. Wilson</a></strong> is pitching really well too. I'm going with the Blue Jays at home. Both teams have bad bullpens.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Cardinals</strong> over the Cubs</span>: The Cardinals have trouble with the Cubs. This we know. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/woodtr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Travis Wood</a></strong> is a good pitcher. And <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lyonsty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tyler Lyons</a></strong> is 0-2. But two of Lyons' three starts have been pitched well. It's time for him to get a win.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Rangers over the <strong>Astros</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/peacobr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Brad Peacock</a></strong> had a really good Spring Training but did not carry it over into the season. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lewisco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Colby Lewis</a></strong> still makes me nervous. But he's my pick for today.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Nationals over the <strong>Diamondbacks</strong></span>: The Diamondbacks are off life support but I still like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmejo02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jordan Zimmermann</a></strong> way better than I like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/collmjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Josh Collmenter</a></strong>. I did pick against Collmenter last time out and he won, so there is that...</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Athletics</strong> over the White Sox</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chaveje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jesse Chavez</a></strong> was pitching really well until I picked him up for my fantasy team. I killed <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a></strong> the same way. I am the reverse King Midas. But I am picking him to win over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/danksjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">John Danks</a></strong> who is not quite as terrible this year as past years.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Dodgers</strong> over the Marlins</span>: The Marlins are now 3-12 away from their home park. Weird. I like the way <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/koehlto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tom Koehler</a></strong> is pitching. But with the above fact, I will stick with the Dodgers and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harenda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Dan Haren</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Braves over the <strong>Giants</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/floydga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Gavin Floyd</a></strong> cannot be as good as his first start went. However, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/linceti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tim Lincecum</a></strong>'s breaking stuff has been awful. So I am going with Floyd and the Braves.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the Game of the Day </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Mariners over the Bay Rays: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernafe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Felix Hernandez</a></strong> at home is too good to pass up. The lefty, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramosce01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Cesar Ramos</a></strong>, is a pretty good match-up against the Mariners though. But I'm going with it. What do I have to lose at this point?</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 8-7, May: 83-72, Games of the Day: 17-21, Season: 316-246 </span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Monday: May 12, 2014

Sunday added up to a third straight day of finishing 8-7. It's like my KitchenAid Electric Mixer is permanently stuck on Mediocre. Not o...

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MLB Game Picks - Monday: April 21, 2014

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunday was my second straight 9-6 day. There were three or four picks that were correct for seven innings. But we do not play seven innings, thank goodness, we play nine. And may that never change, Mr. Anonymous Buster Olney source.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My son, who reads these missives every day asked me politely never to pick the Yankees to win because doing so guarantees them a loss. Oh the power that I have here! I have had the same request from Cardinal fans in the past. Heh.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are thirteen games on the schedule today which is not bad. And today is Patriots Day in Massachusetts and Maine and that means the Red Sox play in the morning. Here are the picks: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Red Sox</strong> over the Orioles</span>: Much of this pick will depend on how good <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buchhcl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Clay Buchholz</a></strong> is today. The Red Sox will score a few off of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chenwe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Wei-Yin Chen</a></strong>, but Buchholz has to hold the Orioles to less.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Angels over the <strong>Nationals</strong></span>: I like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/richaga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Garrett Richards</a></strong> in this one over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/roarkta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tanner Roark</a></strong>. How did we get two "Tanners" in baseball? It's not like anyone in this country tans leather anymore. That is all done overseas now. I used to work in a tannery. I bet you didn't know that...or care.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Pirates</strong> over the Reds</span>: I am a little concerned so far with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/liriafr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Francisco Liriano</a></strong>, but if he is on, the Pirates are not going to hit him. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leakemi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Mike Leake</a></strong> can be had though. Neal Walker is off to a great start, but <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccutan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Andrew McCutchen</a></strong> is scuffling.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Indians</strong> over the Royals</span>: The Indians came alive a bit over the weekend with a couple of comeback wins. I like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcallza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Zach McAllister</a></strong> over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guthrje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Guthrie</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Tigers</strong> over the White Sox</span>: This pick was wrong yesterday by fourteen runs. I have had a fourteen-run bad pick and a fifteen-run bad pick in the last two days. But I still like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sanchan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Anibal Sanchez</a></strong> over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/danksjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">John Danks</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Braves</strong> over the Marlins</span>: The Marlins are raising cane at home, but not so much on the road. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/koehlto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tom Koehler</a></strong> will be somewhat stingy, but <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/teherju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Julio Teheran</a></strong> is just too good for the Braves.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Cardinals over the <strong>Mets</strong></span>: I don't know how good <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lyonsty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tyler Lyons</a></strong> will be. I am not expecting much, put it that way. And <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mejiaje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jenrry Mejia</a></strong> is very good. So why am I picking the Cardinals? Because they are a much better team.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Cubs</strong> over the Diamondbacks</span>: This will be a true test of how bad the Diamondbacks are. If they cannot beat the Cubs, they are really that bad. I would take <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/woodtr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Travis Wood</a></strong> over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arroybr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Bronson Arroyo</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Brewers</strong> over the Padres</span>: It looks like we are going to have to believe in the Brewers as they are not sinking at all. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/peralwi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Wily Peralta</a></strong> goes for them and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cashnan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Andrew Cashner</a></strong> goes for the Padres. This is a good pitching match-up.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Rockies</strong> over the Giants</span>: This is one of those games where Coors will make the difference for the Rockies. I have no expectation that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vogelry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Ryan Vogelsong</a></strong> can pitch well there whereas <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rosajo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jorge De La Rosa</a></strong> at least has a chance to be decent today.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Rangers over the <strong>Athletics</strong></span>: Most of my gut tells me to pick the A's. But if <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a></strong> is on, forget about it for the A's. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/straida01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Dan Straily</a></strong> is not nearly as good as Darvish. In other words, I haven't a clue.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Phillies over the <strong>Dodgers</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=leecl02,leecl01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Cliff Lee</a></strong> has to get some run support sooner or later. And he is much better than <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maholpa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Paul Maholm</a></strong>. The only troubling aspect here is that the Dodgers are not bothered much by left-handed pitchers.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the Game of the Day! </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Mariners</strong> over the Astros</span>: There is clear separation between these two teams this year and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernafe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Felix Hernandez</a></strong> is on the mound. That's all I need to know. It does not even matter what <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keuchda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Dallas Keuchel</a></strong> does.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 9-6, Games of the Day: 9-8, Season: 159-117</span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Monday: April 21, 2014

Sunday was my second straight 9-6 day. There were three or four picks that were correct for seven innings. But we do not play seven innings,...

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MLB Game Picks - Sunday: June 16, 2013 with special guests!

<div style="text-align: justify;">This is a very cool day. First, the sun is shining and golf should be fun for a change. Secondly, I finally had a good night last night after having the worst picking week of my career. And lastly, and most importantly, I have special guests to challenge me for the picks. Let me set up how this came about.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oc82eMwbLYPa4fl3WkH6sx6D7_7J4UGFkHSmsDDrscpCDOmAOpU6-9g72eubf34bDyVN_275ybL1In14xmpjs7iGU2EU6B-El-THl3c-Q1zAQ-k8PKqVQNb_YCINeuSg_La2wdj4j40/s1600/Kids+and+I+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oc82eMwbLYPa4fl3WkH6sx6D7_7J4UGFkHSmsDDrscpCDOmAOpU6-9g72eubf34bDyVN_275ybL1In14xmpjs7iGU2EU6B-El-THl3c-Q1zAQ-k8PKqVQNb_YCINeuSg_La2wdj4j40/s200/Kids+and+I+2013.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It is no secret that I have been on an alarming bender with the picks. Nothing has gone right and May and particularly June have been terrible. This past week, in my frustration, when I promoted my newest picks post on Twitter, I wrote: "A 5 year old could do better right now." Cardinal writer extraordinaire, Daniel Shoptaw (<a href="https://twitter.com/C70" target="_blank">@C70</a>), tweeted back, "Sounds like a great idea. Pick a day and I'll have my kids pick games, we'll compare them to yours."</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And so we communicated and Benjamin Shoptaw (8 1/2), Sarah Shoptaw (just turned six) and dad (ancient) all submitted picks for today's games. I will list them after my picks (so I am not influenced </div><div style="text-align: justify;">by them) and then tomorrow, I will tally them all up. Many thanks to Daniel for making this happen!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My Sunday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Indians </b>over the Nationals</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Stephen Strasburg</a></strong> returns for the Nationals, and while that is exciting, he will probably only pitch five innings or so. Meanwhile, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/klubeco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Corey Kluber</a></strong> has been very good with great outings against the Red Sox, Rangers, etc. Both pitchers can throw zeroes but the Indians win late.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Cubs over the <b>Mets</b></u>: The Cubs have had their way all weekend in this series. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garzama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Matt Garza</a></strong> should bounce back from his last outing to get back on the trade deadline lists. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hefneje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Hefner</a></strong> has been better of late, but even if he is good, the Mets cannot score.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Reds </b>over the Brewers</u>: The Brewers kicked the Reds yesterday and it was one of only four bad picks all day. I do not think that will happen today since <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cuetojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Johnny Cueto</a></strong> is on the mound for the Reds and should be better than <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/peralwi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wily Peralta</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Cardinals over the <b>Marlins</b></u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a></strong> has been hot since coming back, but I anticipate this game to go much like yesterday's where the Cards score double digits so it does not matter how many the Marlins score. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lyonsty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Lyons</a></strong> has not fared well lately and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nolasri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ricky Nolasco</a></strong> is pitching with scouts in the stats for those deadline deals.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Orioles </b>over the Red Sox</u>: The Orioles have dominated the Red Sox ever since September of 2011. The Red Sox got off that ride a little bit yesterday behind <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lackejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">John Lackey</a></strong>. Today is <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jon Lester</a></strong>'s turn and while I believe in Lester's talent, he has been shaky lately and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=gonzami03,gonzal009mig,gonzal010mig,gonzal006mig,gonzal003mig&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Miguel Gonzalez</a></strong> has had good success against the Red Sox and all AL East teams.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Pirates </b>over the Dodgers</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colege01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Gerrit Cole</a></strong>'s MLB debut in his last outing was successful and the Pirates are playing really well. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a></strong> could slow them down. But the pick is for the Pirates to continue to dominate this series.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rays </b>over the Royals</u>: There are several reasons I am picking the Rays but <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=hernara02,hernara01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ramon Hernandez</a></strong> is not one of them. So do not think I have gone to the dark side on my feelings for him. I have not become Faustus (or Fausto). The Royals are moribund. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/daviswa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wade Davis</a></strong> is the Royals' version of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hugheph01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Phil Hughes</a></strong> and the Rays are at home.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Astros </b>over the White Sox</u>: I have picked against the Astros this entire series and have been burned by it. Do you realize that the White Sox only have three more wins this season than the Astros? Yeah, that is bad. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keuchda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Dallas Keuchel</a></strong> over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santihe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hector Santiago</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Tigers over the <b>Twins</b></u>: This is a double-reverse pick. The Tigers should win all of these games. But they have not won any of them. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/waltepj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">P.J. Walters</a></strong> has done nothing but win lately. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fistedo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Doug Fister</a></strong> has done nothing but lose lately. So I am still reversing all of that logic to pick the Tigers to win. Baseball is a funny game.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Blue Jays over the <b>Rangers</b></u>: You never know if <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hollade01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Derek Holland</a></strong> is going to throw a gem or a booby trap. His left-hand throwing will not bother guys like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=bautijo02,bautijo01,bautis005jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Bautista</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/encared01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edwin Encarnacion</a></strong>. But the Jays need a good start from <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wangch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chien-Ming Wang</a></strong> for this to happen.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Angels </b>over the Yankees</u>: The Yankees' offense is painful to watch. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suzukic01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ichiro Suzuki</a></strong> is playing his heart out and gets on third with no outs after a bunt single and two stolen bases. The next three Yankee batters struck out. That, friends, is the epitome of the Yankees' offense right now. Jerek Weaver over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sabatc.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">CC Sabathia</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Mariners over the <b>Athletics</b></u>: This is a tough, tough pick. I have had success all season picking <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/iwakuhi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hisashi Iwakuma</a></strong> to win. I have had great horrors all season picking <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bartolo Colon</a></strong> to lose (he is 8-2). So which truth today will hold more evident? Yikes!</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Diamondbacks over the <b>Padres</b></u>: The only place that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/richacl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Clayton Richard</a></strong> can pitch halfway decent is at home, which he is. But <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kenneia01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ian Kennedy</a></strong> as a fly ball pitcher should also pitch well at Petco. Going with the D-backs despite the loss yesterday.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Phillies over the <b>Rockies</b></u>: Who the heck knows. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamelco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Cole Hamels</a></strong> is 2-9. The world is upside down. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chacijh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jhoulys Chacin</a></strong> is as confusing as ever. Coors Field is the ultimate wild card. All I can do is pick a winner and hope.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And the Game of the Day!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><u>The <b>Braves </b>over the Giants</u>: This is also the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball game. And so, it will be interesting. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/teherju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Julio Teheran</a></strong> might melt in the spotlight. But it is more likely that the Braves will hit some dingers off of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/linceti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tim Lincecum</a></strong> or that the formerly long-haired and formerly great pitcher will have no control and get in trouble that way.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 11-4  Well, what do you know!?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last week: 42-52   Was beyond saving.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 100-102</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 563-452</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 44-30</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And now the Shoptaw picks:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqp-6Ivh0Fh8ylPJqAJGhITeDNbs2OSKWcFxjdJqb2DQ6wWed046YI86Ibi5J4TtBvLVdoRdt8ohauW_v4AAVWGYMBJ35un-7hMPJuBmjX8_5ciWuPk5TfV2Mn6LQzn99so3laljibbM/s1600/Daniel+picks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqp-6Ivh0Fh8ylPJqAJGhITeDNbs2OSKWcFxjdJqb2DQ6wWed046YI86Ibi5J4TtBvLVdoRdt8ohauW_v4AAVWGYMBJ35un-7hMPJuBmjX8_5ciWuPk5TfV2Mn6LQzn99so3laljibbM/s400/Daniel+picks.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: June 16, 2013 with special guests!

This is a very cool day. First, the sun is shining and golf should be fun for a change. Secondly, I finally had a good night last night afte...

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MLB Game Picks - Saturday: June 8, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">Andrea did her thing and the three games I said were in jeopardy yesterday were all washed out. The mini-monsoon is now directly over my head here in Maine washing out yet another weekend. That is bad for me, but good for the rest of the East Coast I suppose.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The picks were decent. The only game that seriously torqued me was the Yankees loss to the Mariners. Not that I begrudge the Mariners as their fans can use a win once in a while. But the Yankees single-handedly prolonged the career of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bondeje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Bonderman</a></strong> and were pathetic in becoming a trivia quiz question for him. How did they do it? Their <a href="http://itsaboutthemoney.net/archives/2013/06/03/the-team-that-pulls-together/" target="_blank">pull-happy ways</a> allowed Bonderman to pitch outside and let the Yankees make their own outs. Compare their performance with the Cardinals who always go opposite field with runners on base. All of the Yankees outs except for three against Bonderman were pulled.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, rant over. Saturday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Red Sox</b> over the Angels</u>: These two teams will play two games today to make up yesterday's washout. The pitching line is the same as yesterday with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/doubrfe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Felix Doubront</a></strong> facing <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hansoto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tommy Hanson</a></strong>. Whatever Doubront gives up will be made up by the Red Sox' offense.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Rangers over the <b>Blue Jays</b></u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buehrma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mark Buehrle</a></strong> has been much better of late, but <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a></strong>--and this is the caveat--if he is on, will shut down the Blue Jays.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Mets </b>over the Marlins</u>: The pitching line will be the same as yesterday's. The extra day benefits both <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan008jos,fernan014jos,fernan015jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harvema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Matt Harvey</a></strong> as they are both young pitchers thrust into Major League rotations. Harvey is the more reliable however and that is the pick.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Cubs </b>over the Pirates</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/samarje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeff Samardzija</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burnea.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">A.J. Burnett</a></strong> are both 3-6 and both deserve a far better record. Both should pitch well with Samardzija pitching just a little bit tighter. Poor A.J.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Tigers </b>over the Indians</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/masteju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Justin Masterson</a></strong> has pitched fourteen times against the Tigers and is 2-6 with an ERA of 5.09 and a WHIP of 1.712. Ouch. He never seems to pitch that well against them. That said, he is better this year than in the past. The difference for me here is that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/porceri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Rick Porcello</a></strong> is pitching well and the Tigers are at home. The Tigers' bullpen, however, is a mess.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Bay Rays</b> over the Orioles</u>: This game could go either way. Neither starter is impressive as <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hellije01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Hellickson</a></strong> is a five inning pitcher and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Gausman</a></strong> has an ERA over seven. The pick goes to the Rays because they are home and it could be an ugly, high-scoring game.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Yankees over the <b>Mariners</b></u>: This pick is more hopeful than smart. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pettian01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Andy Pettitte</a></strong> has not been great and the Yankees have managed just six hits over their last fifteen innings. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/saundjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Joe Saunders</a></strong> is exactly the kind of pitcher that takes advantage of the Yankees pull-happy ways. But the pick is still the Yankees.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Athletics </b>over the White Sox</u>: Can you pick the White Sox these days the way they are playing? Conversely, can you pick against the A's at this point the way they are playing? Both answers are no. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/milonto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tommy Milone</a></strong> over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/danksjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">John Danks</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Red Sox</b> over the Angels</u>: That's right, folks, I am predicting a sweep. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buchhcl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Clay Buchholz</a></strong> will shut down the Angels with his excellent repertoire and the Red Sox will hit wall balls off of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wilsocj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">C.J. Wilson</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Royals </b>over the Astros</u>: The only way the Royals lose this game is if <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ervin Santana</a></strong> gives up four homers. But Santana is very capable of doing that. The Royals better score some runs off of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bedarer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Erik Bedard</a></strong> just in case.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Phillies </b>over the Brewers</u>: This pick is seriously difficult. Good old <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gorzeto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tom Gorzelanny</a></strong> makes another spot start in a career full of them. He always does a decent job in them. That left arm helps. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kendrky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kyle Kendrick</a></strong> is Kyle Kendrick and either his batted balls will find gloves as usual, or they won't and he will look bad...along with this pick.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rockies </b>over the Padres</u>: MLB.com does not list a Rockies' pitcher. Both ESPN.com and Yahoo Sports says that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/francje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeff Francis</a></strong> will pitch. Either way, it does not matter as the Rockies are killing the ball and will score another eight to ten runs off of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stulter01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Eric Stults</a></strong> and company.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Cardinals over the <b>Reds</b>:</u> I know that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/latosma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mat Latos</a></strong> is really good. But after watching the Cardinals yesterday, I do not know how they ever lose a ballgame. The fact that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lyonsty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Lyons</a></strong> throws from the left side does not matter much to the Reds, however, because they do equally well against either. I just think the Cardinals are the better team right now. Their bullpen scares me though.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Dodgers </b>over the Braves</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/medlekr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kris Medlen</a></strong> was much better in his last start. But the Dodgers are on a roll as Puig has put a spark in them. I do not know how long it will last, but it will carry at least into today. The only reservation is their starting pitcher of <strike>Barney</strike> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fifest01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Stephen Fife</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Giants over the <b>Diamondbacks</b></u>: One of the Giants' starters needs to come up big. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bumgama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Madison Bumgarner</a></strong> is a guy who can do that. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cahiltr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Trevor Cahill</a></strong> has been better in the last month or so, but can still be had. The D-backs are good. But the Giants are not rollovers.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And the Game of the Day!</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Nationals </b>over the Twins</u>: Again, same match-up as yesterday was supposed to be. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzagi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Gio Gonzalez</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/correke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Correia</a></strong>. These two teams will make up their lost game tomorrow. The Twins lose their DH, which for them is a big deal.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 7-5</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 42-36</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 52-40</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 515-390</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 41-25</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Saturday: June 8, 2013

Andrea did her thing and the three games I said were in jeopardy yesterday were all washed out. The mini-monsoon is now directly over my hea...

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MLB Game Picks - Sunday: June 2, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">Finally! A good day. I was right about May. I just needed to get out of that month because on the first day of June, only five picks were incorrect out of sixteen games. Those five were the Yankees...hehe...yeah, that was a good pick, the Pirates (Liriano pitched great, Leake was better), the Angels (to Houston again!?), the Cubs (all good things come to an end), and Texas (a tip of the cap to <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shielja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">James Shields</a></strong>). I will take that. I called both games of the Cards - Giants double-header. I called the Marlins over the Mets. I called <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jimenub01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ubaldo Jimenez</a></strong> over the Rays. So, yeah, it was a good day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Indians </b>over the Bay Rays</u>: I went back and forth on this one. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcallza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Zach McAllister</a></strong> has pitched well against weak-hitting teams and really struggled against good teams. He did beat the Rays in his first start of the season. He and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hellije01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Hellickson</a></strong> are pretty similar. I am going with the home team.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Mets over the <b>Marlins</b></u>: You know that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harvema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Matt Harvey</a></strong> is going to pitch well. The only question is whether the Mets will get him any runs. Harvey has no-decisions in half of his starts. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sloweke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Slowey</a></strong> is of the "crafty" pitching variety, so this is a big contrast in pitching styles.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Reds over the <b>Pirates</b>:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gomezje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeanmar Gomez</a></strong> is giving me fits this season. He really has become a ground ball pitcher and really has not had a bad outing since he joined the Pirates' rotation. But the pick has to go to the big stud, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/latosma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mat Latos</a></strong>. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vottojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Joey Votto</a></strong> has to figure into this one somehow.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Tigers over the <b>Orioles</b>:</u> This is a bit of a tough one. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/porceri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Rick Porcello</a></strong> is coming off probably his best outing as a Tiger. But the Orioles could really whack him hard. But on the other hand, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Gausman</a></strong> has not been able to get Major League hitters out in his two starts.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Braves </b>over the Nationals:</u> I am not too impressed by either of the team's starters. Nathan Karns was just barely passable in his first start. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maholpa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Paul Maholm</a></strong> is a contact guy who needs the balls to be hit at somebody. The Braves have not been giving the Nats any room to breathe thus far this season, so that is the pick.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Twins </b>over the Mariners:</u> The Mariners are starting <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bondeje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Bonderman</a></strong>. Holy cow! Bonderman has not pitched in the majors since 2010. Now that is a cool kind of thing. But picking him to pitch well would be another thing. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/diamosc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Scott Diamond</a></strong> goes for the Twins. Jeremy Bonderman...wow...</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Cardinals </b>over the Giants:</u> I thought Bonderman was a surprise until I got to this pick. The Giants are listing <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gaudich01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chad Gaudin</a></strong> as today's starter. Chad Gaudin? Yeesh. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lyonsty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Lyons</a></strong> tries to keep his stunning early success in the big leagues going.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Diamondbacks over the <b>Cubs</b>:</u> This pick is a bit troubling. First, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jacksed01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edwin Jackson</a></strong> has to win a game sooner or later. Second, as good as he has been, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/corbipa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Patrick Corbin</a></strong> has to lose a game eventually. Will these two events happen today? Unlikely.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rangers </b>over the Royals:</u> The Rangers should hit like five homers today since <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ervin Santana</a></strong> is pitching. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a></strong> is confusing. Does anybody have better stuff than him? And yet, him winning a game is never a guarantee.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Angels </b>over the Astros:</u> Hey, if I keep picking this outcome, it has to happen eventually. I am a bit stubborn that way. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wilsocj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">C.J. Wilson</a></strong> needs to live up to his Head and Shoulders commercials. And <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lylesjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Lyles</a></strong> still sounds like a country singer or some soap opera name.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The White Sox over the <b>Athletics</b>:</u> I do not know how healthy <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a></strong> is. If he is healthy, he should dominate. If not, then the pick will blow up. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/parkeja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jarrod Parker</a></strong> has had a troubling season for the A's.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rockies </b>over the Dodgers:</u> I am not sure how well Hyun-Jin Ryu's stuff will translate at Coors Field. And <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rosajo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jorge De La Rosa</a></strong> is just a better option pitching in that wild place than Ryu. He is more of a know entity there.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Red Sox over the <b>Yankees</b></u>: The Red Sox are just a better team right now. Their infield defense is spectacular with Iglesias at third. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buchhcl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Clay Buchholz</a></strong> and his health are a bit of a concern. The only way this pick goes awry is if Buchholz is not healthy and if <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kurodhi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hiroki Kuroda</a></strong> pitches at the top of his game.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Padres </b>over the Blue Jays</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/volqued01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edinson Volquez</a></strong>'s biggest problem is his command and control. But that is less of a problem against a Blue Jays' team that is undisciplined at the plate (except for Bautista and Encarnacion). Also, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ortizra02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ramon Ortiz</a></strong> starting for the Jays is just to unfathomable.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And the Game of the Day!</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Phillies</b> over the Brewers:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fiersmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Fiers</a></strong> will not be able to go deep in the game as he has not pitched longer than four-plus innings all season. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=leecl02,leecl01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Cliff Lee</a></strong>, on the other hand, is having a great season. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/browndo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Domonic Brown</a></strong> has been killing the ball.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 11-5</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last week: 55-48</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 11-5</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 473-355</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 37-23</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: June 2, 2013

Finally! A good day. I was right about May. I just needed to get out of that month because on the first day of June, only five picks were in...

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Cardinals' home grown pitchers are phenomenal

<div style="text-align: justify;">A lot of research would be needed to find another team with so much home-grown young pitchers performing as well as the young pitchers of the St. Louis Cardinals in the long history of the game. With an average age of 23.8 years old, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lynnla01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Lance Lynn</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/millesh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Shelby Miller</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lyonsty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Lyons</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gastjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">John Gast</a></strong> and now <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wachami01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Michael Wacha</a></strong> have gone a combined 16-4 with a 2.54 ERA. And that is just the starting pitchers and does not include <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rosentr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Trevor Rosenthal</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/manesse01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Seth Maness</a></strong>, two more home grown pitchers who are also performing well in the bullpen. The startling thing about all these pitchers is that they were all drafted by the Cardinals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let's look at the list again:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Lance Lynn: Drafted by the Cardinals in the first round in 2008</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Shelby Miller: Drafted by the Cardinals in the first round in 2009</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Tylor Lyons: Drafted by the Cardinals in the tenth round in 2010</li><li style="text-align: justify;">John Gast: Drafted by the Cardinals in the sixth round in 2010</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Michael Wacha: Drafted by the Cardinals in the first round in 2012</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Seth Maness: Drafted by the Cardinals in the eleventh round in 2011</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Trevor Rosenthal: Drafted by the Cardinals in the twenty-first round in 2009</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Again, this seems unprecedented and remarkable. How could so many pitchers be drafted by the same team in a five year span and all be making a positive impact on the Major League staff? It is remarkable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Let's focus on just the starters from here on out. Here are their collective numbers of the starters in the above list:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Starts: 27</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Record: 16-4</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Winning percentage: .800</li><li style="text-align: justify;">ERA: 2.54</li><li style="text-align: justify;">K/9: 8.71</li><li style="text-align: justify;">K/BB: 3.29</li><li style="text-align: justify;">HR/9: 0.49</li><li style="text-align: justify;">WHIP: 0.998</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Amazing. And this is not really a fluke. I did a little research on first year starters going back to 2009. Here are the collective stats I found concerning all those pitchers:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">2010 - Winning percentage: .438, ERA: 4.55, K/BB: 1.90, WHIP: 1.429</li><li style="text-align: justify;">2011 - Winning percentage: .386, ERA: 4.63, K/BB: 1.86, WHIP: 1.427</li><li style="text-align: justify;">2012 - Winning percentage: .461, ERA: 4.36, K/BB: 2.32, WHIP: 1.355</li><li style="text-align: justify;">2013 - Winning percentage: .461, ERA: 5.12, K/BB: 2.16, WHIP: 1.456</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">And that includes some pseudo-rookies like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/iwakuhi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hisashi Iwakuma</a></strong> and other imports. Now the following is those same numbers collectively of all Cardinal starters in their first year starts since 2011:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Baby Cards: Winning percentage: .579, ERA: 3.17, K/BB: 2.64, WHIP: 1.201</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Have I made your jaw drop yet? Somehow, the Cardinals have managed to draft pitchers since 2008, spin them through their system and spit them out to the Major Leagues and have them perform far better than all the other teams combined doing the same thing. Whether this is great scouting, great drafting, great coaching, great luck, or the combination of all the above, the Cardinals are beating the odds and they are beating them handily.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think back over the past thirty years and all the great young staffs. The 1990s Braves got <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maddugr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Greg Maddux</a></strong> from the Cubs. Last year's Oakland A's compiled their arms from other teams. Perhaps the early 2000's A's with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hudsoti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tim Hudson</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/muldema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mark Mulder</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zitoba01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Barry Zito</a></strong> come to mind.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I can tell you that after watching baseball for fifty years, what is going on with these young home grown Cardinals does not happen often and is remarkable that it is happening at all. Such a progression from draft to minors to the majors for the St. Louis franchise has been incredibly fun to watch. </div>

Cardinals' home grown pitchers are phenomenal

A lot of research would be needed to find another team with so much home-grown young pitchers performing as well as the young pitchers of th...

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MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: May 28, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday was not a good day for the picks. The entire double-header in Arizona was wrong. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hugheph01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Phil Hughes</a></strong> gave up only one run in seven innings and the Yankees still lost. It simply was not a good day. I can blame it on universal interleague. But I will not. I just had a bad picking day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are fourteen games scheduled for today, which is mighty weird for a Tuesday. I believe it is the second time this season a Tuesday has had two teams sitting it out. I do not get this scheduling. But anyway, these are the picks for today:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Blue Jays</b> over the Braves: Yesterday confused me. But it should not. The Blue Jays are killing the ball right now. They just need the starting pitching to settle down and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morrobr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Morrow</a></strong> is capable of that. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maholpa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Paul Maholm</a></strong> goes for the Braves and their bullpen this year is not what it has been in the past.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The Rockies over the <b>Astros</b>: The Astros took yesterday's game and that was a total surprise. Their bullpen has been pitching well. But the Rockies simply have more talent, so they have to be the pick. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lylesjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Lyles</a></strong> goes for the Astros, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rosajo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jorge De La Rosa</a></strong> for the Rockies.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Nationals </b>over the Orioles: Apparently, I did not learn my lesson yesterday. Because I am picking the same results today. But who is to tell what happens today. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Gausman</a></strong> (Orioles) and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=karns-001nat&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Nate Karns</a></strong> (Nats) are not exactly household names. Gausman is making his second big league start. Karns his Major League debut. Sheesh. Karns has big time strikeout rates in he minors. But his control will be key in this one.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Tigers </b>over the Pirates: The Tigers will be familiar with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gomezje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeanmar Gomez</a></strong> from his Cleveland days. The Pirates will not be as familiar with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/porceri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Rick Porcello</a></strong>. But pitchers are risky picks, but the pick has to go with the Tigers' offense. It seems like that entire lineup is batting over .300 and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/peraljh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jhonny Peralta</a></strong> has been out of his mind with 60 hits already.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Reds </b>over the Indians: The battle of Ohio continues and two questions come to mind here. Does <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/latosma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mat Latos</a></strong> have a better chance at slowing down the Indians than <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcallza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Zach McAllister</a></strong> have of shutting down the Reds? Yes. Thus, the pick.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The Bay <b>Rays </b>over the Marlins: The Marlins scored six runs yesterday. That is a lot for them and they still lost by four runs. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hellije01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Hellickson</a></strong> is not invincible. But <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sloweke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Slowey</a></strong> should yield enough runs for the Rays to win.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Mets </b>over the Yankees: The Yankees' lack of patience really hurt them yesterday against Niese. He was walking four a game and the Yankees could not stop swinging. Getting yourself out like that is all that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harvema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Matt Harvey</a></strong> needs with his talent. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kurodhi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hiroki Kuroda</a></strong> will be good, but the score should be similar to yesterday.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Red Sox</b> over the Phillies: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=leecl02,leecl01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Cliff Lee</a></strong> has been on a roll. But then so has the Red Sox offense. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dempsry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ryan Dempster</a></strong> is the wild card. He is familiar with the Phillies and they him. I do not like the Phillies' offense and if Dempster can hold the Phillies to two or three runs, the Red Sox win.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Brewers</b> over the Twins: This one is not fun to pick. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/diamosc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Scott Diamond</a></strong> is a pitcher I always get wrong. And the Brewers start <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/figaral01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alfredo Figaro</a></strong> which reminds me of the Bugs Bunny cartoon where the singer's head gets smaller each time he sings that name. Figaro has only pitched in relief after starting for two seasons in Japan. He has good control but gives up a lot of base hits. He is the Twins kind of pitcher, so they will appreciate losing to him.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The Cardinals over the <b>Royals</b>: The Cardinals have a really impressive streak of bringing up home-grown pitchers who pitch well once they get to the majors. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lyonsty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Lyons</a></strong> is simply the latest one. First start? No problem. Seven innings, one run. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/craigal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Allen Craig</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beltrca01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Carlos Beltran</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hollima01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Matt Holliday</a></strong> will take care of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ervin Santana</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The Giants over the <b>Athletics</b>: The Giants hope to <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=kickha001mic&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Kickham</a></strong> where it hurts. Ha! I kill me. Seriously, though, who the heck is Mike Kickham? He is a sixth round draft pick in 2010 whose minor league numbers are not all that impressive. But then again, this year, he is pitching in the PCL and that is a hitting league. The thought here is that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/parkeja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jarrod Parker</a></strong> is not that much more of a lock and if it is close, the Giants will win.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Dodgers </b>over the Angels: Last time out, I predicted <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/blantjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Joe Blanton</a></strong> would get his first win. He did. Today, he gets to pitch against in Dodgers Stadium where the field will help him. But, Hyun-Jin Ryu at home will be the better of the two.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Mariners </b>over the Padres; I hate putting this pick in the hands of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maurebr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Maurer</a></strong>. But then again, I hate picking <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/volqued01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edinson Volquez</a></strong>. Both teams have similar offenses. The home team gets the pick.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And the Game of the Day!</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b>White Sox</b> over the Cubs: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a></strong> was skipped a start, so that is always a concern. But if he is the normal Chris Sale, he should sail through the Cubs and to the win. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jacksed01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edwin Jackson</a></strong> is Edwin Jackson.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 7-9</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 17-14</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 206-159</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 435-321</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 35-21</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: May 28, 2013

Yesterday was not a good day for the picks. The entire double-header in Arizona was wrong. Phil Hughes gave up only one run in seven innin...

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